Think Again!

Let them turn the other cheek to those who strike them and accept the insults of their enemies.

Lamentations 3:30

Of course God doesn't want us hitting people.........Jesus did not go around hurting people physically and emotionally, but He did speak out in truth and love.  Jesus did not let people get away with manipulating behavior and sinful motives.  He saw wrong and He spoke out, sometimes with a gentle voice and others with anger and force, depending on the issue.  I have always found this scripture to be hard to swallow, mostly because for years I have misinterpreted it.  As I sit and think back on my personal life, and even the things I have passed down to my children, I'm not afraid to say I have had it all wrong.  Partly because I am a people pleaser and I never wanted anyone mad at me (something I am working on), but also because I misunderstood Jesus for so many years.  I never recognized that Jesus has a rougher side to Him.  Yes, he is all loving, gentle, and patient with us, but there is a side of Him that we tend to overlook.  Jesus didn't allow people to keep doing wrong.  He spoke up when things weren't right and he never overlooked a sin.  He knew how to rebuke in such a way that spoke truth in love, but He never just turned the other cheek to the bad that was happening.  Jesus spoke out against the bad things people did and He allowed people to experience the consequences to their choices.  This scripture is referring to getting back at someone or getting revenge with an enemy.  This does not mean that we should stand around and let our spouse or someone we love continue to hurt us physically, emotionally or spiritually.  God never intended this command to hurt us, and staying with someone who continually hurts us is never something God wants for our lives.  Notice the end of the scripture refers to enemies.  A spouse, friend, or family member is not an enemy.  Those are the very people whom we love and spend lots of time with.  God does not want us undergoing continued abuse from someone in our lives.  Enemies are people we don't know well, they are people who misunderstand us and people who are just plain mean.  Their intentions are to hurt and destroy, not characteristics of a person God wants us hanging around with on a daily basis.  So my dear friends, if you are turning the other cheek because you think that is what God would want, think again.  Take some time to reflect on who you are turning from.  Who are you allowing to hurt you daily?  Is there someone in your life who you are staying with because you feel God wants you to "stick it out" or "turn the other cheek"?  God says to turn the other cheek to our enemies and accept their insults because it usually consists of a one time thing.  He wants us to practice self control and perseverance with those who misunderstand our motives and the God behind those motives.  If we are dealing with someone who is not a believer then we should show them love but never let them walk all over us.  We are not to be a doormat.